Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) is more work, but many producers find it’s more than worth it.

Cattlemen know genetic change is a slow process, especially when compared to other species. AI can be part of the solution.

“Nothing is better for consistent, highly predictable outcomes than a cowherd with pedigrees stacked for a desired trait or combination of traits,” says Aaron Arnett, of Select Sires. “When proven AI sires are mated in such a herd, the results will be impressive, worth retaining ownership and selling those calves on the grid.”

AI benefits include:

• More uniformity in calving dates and genetics. Study after study shows buyers pay a premium for calves that are more alike.
• The ability to make selections from a greater pool of genetics.
• The ability to custom mate, based on data traced from progeny back to the cow

When choosing an AI sire, it’s important to note the accuracy. This number, based on the volume of progeny performance linked to a sire, means you can be more confident in the results as it gets closer to 1.0.

Getting started

Only 10% of producers use AI today, but the technology has been around for decades. Many producers thought they would give it a try and now they’re hooked, because it works. To learn more about how it could work in your herd contact your local Extension beef specialist, veterinarian or semen sales representative.

A test case

Missouri’s Show-Me Select program is a shining example of using timed artificial insemination (TAI) to produce predictable females. The university-developed program has built a reputation as the go-to source of top-notch replacement heifers. 

Read about the Show-Me Select program and how timed AI works for them here.